#1 Golfing in Ireland
There is perhaps no better country to play golf in! Our rich and diverse landscape offers a huge range of courses to challenge yourself with. The newer courses, coupled with the older established favourites, have made Ireland a golfing mecca. You may be familiar with courses such as Druids Glen or The K Club from extensive TV exposure but there are several other excellent courses throughout the country such as Rathsallagh or Adare Manor. It is vital, therefore, that you book early to play and enjoy the best courses whilst here. If you are planning a golf vacation in Ireland the best way to get around the various golf courses is to hire a suitable car from us, check out hotels and accommodation links for the best value stays and pre-book everything online well before you travel.
#2 Horse Racing in Ireland
Horse racing in Ireland is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. There are many courses to choose from for you to enjoy a truly exhilarating day out.
- Punchestown Race Course, Naas, County Kildare
Punchestown is the Irish equivalent of Cheltenham in every respect. Great National Hunt racing, new grandstands and facilities make this our premier national hunt course. Located near Naas town in County Kildare there are huge crowds at each day of a race meeting and early arrival is a must. You would also be well advised to book early.
- The Curragh Racecourse, Kildare, County Kildare
The Curragh has a long-standing tradition in racing. Home to the Budweiser Irish Derby and a number of Group 1, 2 and 3 races it is truly the “home of the classics”. Situated on the Curragh Plains in County Kildare about 40 minutes drive from Dublin Airport.
- Galway Race Course, Ballybrittas, Galway
The Galway Races are the best attended racing festival in Ireland and the festival is held over an entire week. This is a very busy time to book accommodation in Galway so it is wise to plan well in advance. Galway Racecourse is located about 3 miles outside the city centre in Ballybrit.
- Tralee Festival, County Kerry
The Tralee Festival is another of the Irish Festivals that take hold of the country. The festival sparkle spreads for five days of great racing. This is a unique experience and is not to be missed. Tralee racecourse is 1.5 miles from the town centre, off the Tralee-Killarney road. Naturally, as with all festivals in Ireland, the area will be very busy – book early for accommodation and car hire.
- Tramore Festival, County Waterford
Situated 7 miles from Waterford city in Ireland’s ‘Sunny South East’ Tramore Racecourse has proven to be an excellent venue for a great days of racing and socialising – just as you would expect from one of Ireland’s longest established race meetings. The facilities at Tramore are good, with on-site catering and bar facilities, buffet and snack meals are available every race day, while a full table-service restaurant is provided for the duration of the August Festival.
#3 Fishing in Ireland
Fishing is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Ireland each year. Thousands come to enjoy our unspoiled rivers, lakes, and coastline. As an Island nation, we have survived off the fruits of the land and sea for many generations and have a long fishing history.
Inshore fishing both fly, river and from small boats, especially during the months from May to September, is a growing trend. There is no better means of appreciating the intimate connection between the life of Irish coastal communities and the sea than to fish from a small boat equivalent in size to the craft that almost all Irish fishermen used until recent times.
So if you are planning a vacation in Ireland, the best way to get around and to enjoy the scenery is to hire a car from Europcar. We are here to help. Safe travels and enjoy!
